Statistical analyses of crash data in the United States show that a large percentage of heavy truck crashes are rollover related. To evaluate roll stability for truck tractors, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has performed test manoeuvres with several Class 8 combination truck tractor/trailers on a test track. Stability Control interventions have been observed with all test track manoeuvres conducted on dry pavement. Rollover events have been observed to be mitigated by stability control interventions in tests conducted with the truck tractor/trailer combinations loaded with a High Center of Gravity (CG) load. This paper discusses the initial test track observations and test manoeuvres NHTSA evaluated. Test manoeuvres included constant radius increasing velocity tests, J-turn tests, and double lane change manoeuvres. These tests were conducted with and without tractor and trailer stability control systems enabled. Tests were conducted under different loading conditions and on high coefficient of friction surface. The full text of this paper may be found at: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv21/09-0552.pdf For the covering abstract see ITRD E145407.
Samenvatting